By Taofik Afolabi, Lagos-based journalist

Alhaji Sheik Abdulbasit Olanrewaju Katibi Bello, famously known as Aponle Anobi, has become the most successful and sought-after Islamic singer on TikTok. His dedication, passion, consistency, skills, and technical expertise have made him a standout in the Islamic music scene.

Aponle Anobi, an Ibadan-born Islamic preacher and singer, has captured the hearts of social media users, particularly on TikTok, with his captivating music. sonorous voice and in-depth rendering of his song. His song, "Kin ni n o je ti n o fi gbagbe egbon mi ko le sele, kin ni o n je n fi gbagbe aafa mi is gadu," took over TikTok for months, the song was mostly used on the popular app.

Recently, another song, "Nitoripe bi igbo ba di gaga, e e soro folode, bi odo ba kun dede, e je ki Ilaje o wemi, bi orin ba diju tan bi Haji Aponle ba mu un a a soba patapata, yoo ro pete bii eko," has been widely used by TikTok users.

What impresses me most about Aponle Anobi is his ability to leverage social media benefits, staying ahead of his peers in the Islamic music circle. He boasts an impressive following:

- TikTok: nearly 600,000 followers

- Facebook: close to 800,000 followers

- YouTube: over 24,000 organic subscribers

Undoubtedly, Aponle Anobi has become the toast of thousands on TikTok and Facebook, solidifying his position as the most popular Islamic singer on TikTok.

By Mansur Danjuma Sanchi

The Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity Stakeholders from different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as Civil Society Organizations, are drawing up a 2025 State-level Work plan for the final year of State2State implementation in Sokoto State.. The state-level work plan workshop was conducted on July 23 – 25, 2024 following a National Workshop conducted in AkwaI bom earlier in July.

In his address, the State Director of Budget and Economic Planning Alhaji Buhari Umar said the 3-day workshop was organized by the State Government with support from the USAID Nigeria State2State to develop a comprehensive 2025 Work plan for the State.

Alhaji Buhari who is also the Secretary, of the Sokoto State Transformation Committee called on participants to work as a team in coming up with realistic issues that will lift the state in its current position of Public Financial Management also assured the State Government's readiness to sustain all activities supported by USAID even after the project expiration in Sokoto State. 

The Director also thanked the NGO for supporting the State in reviewing some of its policies and financial guidelines as well as building numerous Stakeholders' capacity in Public Financial Management.

He however informed the NGO that their capacity-building support put the state in the parameter of those states that contextualized their State budget with that of the National Chart of Account.

Also Speaking, the USAID State2State Deputy Chief of Party, Mr. Stanley Achonu said the workshop brought relevant Stakeholders, Civil Society Organization Leaders to develop the fifth-year programme activities for continued support to the State and ensure its sustainability even after the project expiration.

Mr Stanley said the State2State project already spent four years in Sokoto and expected to roundup in 2025 explaining that they have supported several institutions in Public Financial Management, engaged citizens in Conflict Litigations, and tackled issues related to Gender and Social inclusions.

Mr Stanley said State2State is leveraging efforts to ensure the sustainability of the reforms that have been achieved while calling on the State transformation committee to advise the Government on the relevant steps that need to be taken in that regard.

He noted that a lot of reforms have been made in budget processing, citizens participation, and procurement hoping that the state will sustain them and improve on the progress made so far.

Mr Stanley acknowledged the Sokoto State Government's tremendous progress in publishing the required budget document on time despite minimal technical support while calling them to improve on the procurement and adhere to its rules.

He also applauds their remarkable progress on gender and social inclusion among many others.

A 3-day workshop featured presentations, group work, and knowledge-sharing sessions to draw inputs into the Year 5 Workplan. 

The workshop had in attendance state officials from the Ministries of Budget, Finance, Health, Education, Information, Water Resources, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, State House of Assembly, Internal Revenue Service, CSOs, and OGP representatives.

Others include USAID State2State Staff in attendance include the Team Lead, Sokoto, Dr. Abdulkadir Aminu Ladan, the Public Financial Management Specialist, Mr. Kenny Oleru, CE/CB Consultant, Mr. Stephen John and Communication Specialist, Mr. Israel Onu Odiba among Others.

By Mansur Danjuma Sanchi

Governor Nasir Idris has approved the domestication of the national policy on food and nutrition in kebbi State.

While giving the approval during the state executive council's meeting at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi the Governor said his administration would continue to focus on  the nutritional well-being of women and children in the State.

He said the policy has been domesticated by the state government to add value and strengthen the synergy among sectors and other initiatives of government and partners.

He noted that the recent review of the national policy on Food and Nutrition by the federal  government is another major landmark achievement of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the problem of malnutrition which has been most devastating among children, adolescent, pregnant and lactating mothers.

The Governor said the state government will develop a robust intervention programme and cost effective action plan in driving the implementation of the policy for effective result.

Also in a similar development, the state House of Assembly have also formed a committee on Nutrition and Food Security.

The Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru said the committee was inaugurated by the speaker of the National Assembly, right Honourable Tajuddeen Abbas

This policy adopted by the state government will no doubt lay a solid foundation for higher productivity and improved physical and mental development of the residents of the State.

The octogenarian made this known at a press conference held in Lagos. Babatunde said that he sold the landed properties to Harmony Gardens on behalf of the family in Oju-Ota, Oko-Orisan Village, Epe, Lagos, with the knowledge and consent of his siblings.

However, controversy arose when Mrs. Modupe Damaisu Oni-Orisan, described as a half-sister, claimed that the same portion of land had been sold to another party, Bashiru Fakorede. Oni-Orisan denied this, emphasizing that he is the rightful head of the family and did not initiate or delegate any other transaction.

The family has received an initial payment of N35 million from Harmony Gardens, and Oni-Orisan expressed dismay at the encroachment and disruption of Harmony Gardens’ peaceful business on July 17, 2024. He alleged that Mrs. Oni-Orisan and Fakorede orchestrated the encroachment, demolishing properties worth billions of naira.

Oni-Orisan has petitioned the Commissioner of Police to investigate and prevent further destruction. However, he claims that AIG Zone 2, Olaoye Durosinmi, released armed officers to supervise and provide surveillance for the perpetrators on July 22, 2024.

“The family has evidence, including video recordings and statements from suspects, showing the involvement of Modupe and Fakorede, allegedly backed by Durosinmi”, the family head said.

They are urging the Director of Public Prosecution, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, to take over the case file and prevent malicious prosecution. Additionally, they are calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and prevent unlawful and malicious arraignment and prosecution.

Human Rights Activists Joel Ikuseka and Bodun Olatunji Nicholas corroborated Oni-Orisan’s account, calling for justice, restoration of peace, and non-interference in Harmony Gardens’ business.

By Mansur Danjuma Sanchi

The Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State), ministries, departments, agencies and other stakeholders have drew up a 2025 State level Work plan towards transforming the state to the next level of development.

In his address, the State Director Budget and Economic Planning Alhaji Buhari Umar said a 3day workshop was organized by the State Government with support from the USAID Nigeria State2State in an effort to develop a comprehensive 2025 Work plan for the State.

Alhaji Buhari who is also the Secretary of a State Transformation Committee of USAID State2State Project called on participants to work as a team and come up with realistic issues that will lift the state in its current position of Public Financial Management while assuring the State Government of the readiness to sustain all activities supported by USAID even after the project expiration in Sokoto State.

The Director thanked the NGO for supporting the state in reviewing some of its policies and financial guidelines as well as building numerous stakeholders capacity in Public Financial Management.

He informed the NGO that their capacity building support has put the state in the parameter of those states that contextualized their state budget with that of National Chart of Account.

Also Speaking, the USAID State2State Deputy Chief of Party, Mr Stanley Achonu said the workshop brought relevant stakeholders, civil society organization leaders in developing the fifth year programme activities for continued support to the state and ensure it's sustainability even after the project expiration.

He said the State2State project already spent four years in Sokoto State and it's expected to roundup in 2025 explaining that they had supported several institutions in Public Financial Management, engage citizens to Conflict Litigations and tackle issues related to Gender and Social inclusions.

Stanley added that the NGOs focus is to ensure sustainability of the reforms that have been achieved while calling on the state transformation committee to advice government on the relevant steps that needs to be taken on that regard.

He noted that alot of reforms had been made in budget processing, citizens participation, and  procurement hoping that the state will sustain them and improve on the progress made so far.

Mr Stanley acknowledged the Sokoto State Government tremendous progress in publishing the required budget document on time despite minimal technical support, he called on them to improve on procurement and adhered to it's rules. He also applauds their remarkable progress on gender and social inclusion among many others.

The 3 day programme featured group work, group presentations and questions and answers from different angle of the programme.

Participants were drawn from the Ministries of Budget, Finance, Health, Education, Information, Water Resources, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, State House of Assembly, Internal Revenue Service, CSOs, NGOs, OPG and representatives of Seven Selected Focus Local Government Areas.

Others include, USAID Team Lead Sokoto, Abdulkadir Aminu Ladan, Public Financial Management Specialist, Mr Kenny Oleru,  CE/CB Consultant, Mr Stephen John and Communication Specialist Mr Israel Odiba among Others.

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has received three prestigious awards at the 2024 Global Sustainable Finance Awards, which was hosted by The Digital Banker.

This prestigious event honors financial institutions leading in sustainable finance and responsible investment practices globally. The recognition underscores Wema Bank’s unwavering commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence across its operations and marks a significant milestone in the Bank’s commitment to sustainability and responsible banking. 

The awards include:

- Outstanding Sustainable Finance – SME Finance: Recognizing Wema Bank's innovative solutions tailored to bolster SME growth and sustainability.

- Best Digital Platform for Sustainable Finance: This award celebrates the success of ALAT, Wema Bank’s pioneering digital platform that champions financial inclusion and environmental sustainability.

- Sustainable Finance Professional of the Year - Africa: This accolade was awarded to Abimbola Agbejule, lauding her leadership in sustainability initiatives at Wema Bank.

"Winning these awards is not just a recognition of our sustainable practices but also a testament to our role as pioneers in integrating sustainability into our core business strategies, we are proud to lead the charge in fostering sustainable development and demonstrating robust financial services leadership on a global scale."" said Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO  

"This recognition is a reaffirmation of our dedicated efforts at Wema Bank to weave sustainability into every facet of our operations. It propels us to continue driving impactful financial solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also secure a sustainable tomorrow." Added Abimbola Agbejule,Wema Bank’s Head, Corporate Sustainability.

With over 200 entries from 87 banks across four continents, Wema Bank's achievements signify its excellence and innovative approach to banking and places Wema Bank at the forefront of sustainable banking on a global scale, alongside notable institutions like HSBC, ING, and Caixa Bank.

The bank's achievements at the Global Sustainable Finance Awards underscore its role as a leader in the global financial landscape, setting a benchmark for the industry and emphasizing its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Wema Bank continues to pioneer initiatives that not only meet customer needs but also promote a more sustainable and inclusive future.

However, on July 15, 2024, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, announced that the ban “had been lifted following a mutually beneficial discussion” between Nigeria and the UAE.

Since this announcement, there has been a frenzy of information activities in the media. Visa Fees and Banking Requirements: Changes are imminent and reveal a source close to the UAE.

Following the recent lifting of the visa ban, the UAE imposed more controls on the visa process, requiring document verification to ensure the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants.

The Document Verification Number (DVN) fee was structured at 640,000 NGN by the website managing the DVN process, document verification hub.ae. Additionally, a bank balance of 15 million naira was requested as a precondition to obtain a visa. These stringent fees and banking requirements have caused significant concern and backlash among Nigerian travellers and stakeholders.

Potential Review and Reduction of Fees: In response to the widespread concern, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) requested through official channels that the UAE reconsider these fees.

However, only the UAE has the power to lower these stringent conditions, something the Nigerian government has been actively pushing for. Sources close to the UAE have revealed that a new and revised rate for DVN and the bank balance requirement is imminent.

This potential review aims to make it more affordable for Nigerians to visit the UAE for tourism, business, and family visits. The FG’s efforts appear to have been successful, with several sources confirming that the UAE is seriously considering revising the fee structure. Impact on Nigerian Travelers: A reduction in DVN and visa fees would alleviate the financial burden on Nigerian travellers, making it easier for them to visit the UAE.

This move is expected to foster stronger ties between the two nations, encouraging more tourism, business engagements, and cultural exchanges. Lowering the fees would likely increase the number of Nigerian visitors to the UAE, boosting tourism and economic activities. It would also provide an opportunity for more Nigerians to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.

Timeline and Implementation: Although the exact timeline for the fee reduction has not been announced, changes are anticipated soon. Detailed guidelines and updated fee structures are expected following the review.

The potential reduction of visa and DVN fees underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Nigeria. This development signifies a positive step towards more inclusive and affordable travel policies, benefiting Nigerian citizens and enhancing diplomatic ties.

The DVN will improve Nigeria’s image in the UAE, hoping that more credible people will be able to travel & do business in UAE with ease and remove negative perception from the few Nigerians involved in crime                                                 

Aare Bashiru Fakorede, also known as “Bashy Ajagungbale,”  who is alleged to be a renowned and notorious land grabber, has extended his land grabbing activities to the Epe axis, specifically targeting the Oko Orisan village. This village is said to have been gazetted by the Lagos State Government to various families, including the Oko Orisan, Oni Orisan, and Obadimeji Oshodi families. Fakorede, infamous for his exploits in Ajiran communities, has allegedly  partnered with a faction of the Oni Orisan family, exploiting his expertise in land grabbing.

In a recent development, Fakorede accused of manipulating the Lagos State High Court to issue an unlawful execution order. This order, facilitated by the court's sheriff, targeted Oko Orisan village based on a judgment (Suit No: M/762/2012) that had already been executed in 2023. Fakorede's actions highlight his desperation and cunning in land grabbing.

Fakorede has also involved Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, a reputable Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to lend credibility to his schemes. Unknown to Banire, Fakorede has allegedly been leveraging his influence to solicit support from top police officers, including DIG Abiodun Alabi and DCP SWAT, to stall any investigations into his activities.

Aare Bashiru Fakorede claimed to have  history of using legal and police apparatus to further his land grabbing activities. He previously arrested some youths from Oju Ota Village at Alagbon, pressuring them to implicate Saheed Ibile falsely. Fakorede's manipulation of the legal system is evident in his engagement of influential legal figures and police officers to mislead and stall investigations.

Fakorede's recent actions involve the demolition of perimeter fences on lands owned by Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited. Despite a Federal High Court order restraining Fakorede and the police from interfering with these properties, Fakorede continues his illegal activities, causing significant losses for Harmony Gardens.

Fakorede's alleged tactics include creating factions within families and communities, offering bribes to sow discord, and strategically hijacking properties sold to innocent investors. This strategy was evident in the Oju-Ota Gazette land case, where Fakorede conspired with Modupe Oni Orisan and Ade Dosunmu to feign ignorance of the sale of land to Harmony Gardens, which was legally acquired from the Oko Orisan, Oni Orisan, and Obadimeji Oshodi families.

Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited legally acquired the land through a deed of assignment executed by Pa Moshood Babatunde Oni Orisan, the head of the Oni Orisan family. Despite this, Fakorede continues to claim representation of the Oni Orisan family, misleading authorities and violating court orders.

The public is urged to recognize the plight of affected communities and the manipulations by Fakorede and his cohorts. The Inspector General of Police, DIG Force CID, CP Lagos, and the Lagos State Government are called upon to investigate Fakorede and his associates, ensuring that the law prevails against land grabbing activities.

Fakorede's activities have led to significant losses for Harmony Gardens, including the theft of payloaders worth 180 million Naira. The call for justice extends to preventing further violations of property rights and protecting the interests of legitimate landowners and investors.

However, Reports have surfaced that on Monday, 22nd July 2024, Modupe Oni Orisan, accompanied by police officers from Zone 2 and hoodlums, led an attack on the property of Harmony Gardens and Estates Development Ltd. The group caused extensive damage, with estimates exceeding one billion naira. 

The situation escalated when irate youths from Oko Orisan apprehended Modupe Oni Orisan and the hoodlums, handing them over to the CP Lagos crack team. During the altercation, the Zone 2 police officers overseeing the forceful takeover fled the scene.

Upon arrival, the estate owner, Hon. Dr. Saheed Mosadoluwa urged the youths to avoid taking the law into their hands and to allow the police to handle the situation. The extent of the damages inflicted by the hoodlums is currently estimated at over one billion naira.

Tag: #aarebashirufakorede, #aarebashy #landgrabber, #Lagosstate #notoriouslandgrabber, #landgrabberinlagosstate

During the courtesy visit, the team headed by Prince Akinloye applauded Adron Homes and Properties for its efforts in providing affordable housing schemes and praised the company for consistently bridging the gap between the masses and affordable urban development. Prince Akinloye also commended Adron Homes for transforming many individuals from tenants to landlords, emphasizing the company's transparency, commitment, and reliability which has set a positive example for other real estate brokers in Nigeria. 

He highlighted the significant contribution of the real estate sector to Nigeria's GDP, citing statistics from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics for Q1 of 2024. He stressed the need for the government to uphold development standards, enhance industry regulations, and eliminate unethical practices in the real estate business. According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, the real estate sector contributed N11.2 trillion, representing a 5.20% share of the GDP in Q1 of 2024. Although the sector showed nominal growth compared to the previous year, its real GDP growth was lower at 0.84%. He also disclosed that 11 trillion is more than enough to prove that real estate business in Nigeria is a lucrative business that has come to stay and also implored the government to remain committed to upholding tenets of development and enhancing regulation of the industry to meet global practices and also make quackery in the business a thing of the past. 

“The construction sector contributed 4.0% to the GDP, with a nominal growth of 10.24%, though it experienced a real growth rate decline of -2.14% year-on-year. Experts attribute this growth to increased government policies and investments, growing population demands for shelter, and significant contributions from the Nigerian diaspora.”

The Host, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King also commended the effort of the REDAN President and his team for their listening ears and also their constant proactive steps to ensure the industry is well regulated and all ethics of the industry is upheld. He also disclosed that Adron Homes will always be in partnership with the leadership of REDAN and will remain committed and continue to serve as an example to other real estate players on the issues of integrity and sincerity of purpose. He also disclosed that the visit will further rejig Adron’s commitment to more development of Homes and also continued partnership with the government to ensure affordable homes get more handy for all sundry. 

Aare Adetola also implores the leadership of REDAN to enact more policies that will further put the business on a high pedestal which will enhance more funding, more investment through Foreign Direct Investment and also getting government support in the reduction  of building materials and other household items which is currently serving as a bottleneck for the development of the business which has caused many Real estate companies to fold up, while some have started cutting corners due to high rates of materials. 

“When materials are quite affordable, real estate will thrive. There would be buyers and off-takers. But with the current prices of cement, wood, nails, paints etc the prices of real estate are soaring high to the roof Government intervention and reducing tariffs on the importation of building materials will help cushion the effect and also put many back in business. Adron Homes and Properties is committed and we are here for collaboration for national development.”

By Raheem Nasir 

If not well planned, a revolution for a good cause will not succeed,  let alone a camouflaged “revolution”  sponsored by suspected looters and fraudsters and others undergoing prosecutions or awaiting trials in the courts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The nation was informed through social media that a massive “revolution” in the form of nationwide protests would be held against the EFCC for the most spurious reasons possible.

That apart, the proposed protests planned for July 5, 2024, were to culminate into a similitude of #Endsars protests witnessed by the nation years ago, during which tens of people lost their lives and property, mainly public-owned, worth billions of naira were destroyed; and from which the nation is yet to fully recover. The protesters’ main goal was to get the present Chairman of EFCC, Olaonipekun Olukoyede, removed while pretending to be protesting against a few reported cases of overzealousness on the part of some operatives of the commission. 

The call for the head of the EFFC’s boss was not for corruption or any illicit practices like some of his predecessors, but vaguely for some overzealousness of a few EFCC operatives while carrying out their sting operations.

We want to congratulate the Chairman of EFCC on the failed protests and the recently heightened attacks on the agency in the media. It shows that Olukoyede and his team are doing well! EFFC cannot expect Corruption not to fight back. And the fact that the sponsored protests of July 5, 2024, failed does not mean Corruption will still not sponsor other protests on the streets or in the media, as usual. The machinations and shenanigans of Corruption against EFCC are well-oiled, coordinated by professional consultants and ongoing. 

What Olukoyede and his men need to do is to stop corruption at all costs before it can perpetrated; get the operatives more professional and undeterred in their commitment to save the nation from endemic corrupt practices, economic and financial crimes and sabotage.

What the nation has lost to corrupt practices in private and public lives is enough to fix the huge infrastructural deficits bedevilling Nigeria. What famed corruption, internet fraud and scams popularly referred to as 419 have cost the image of this country is dishearteningly unimaginable to the extent that every holder of the green passport is suspected to be corrupt abroad and genuine investors are scared of Nigerian businessmen and women.

It is very heartwarming that on the day of the daggers drawn when faceless anti-EFCC blabbers expected the worst to happen to EFCC’s offices across the nation and culminating in the removal of its hard-working chairman, the organisation ironically recorded yet another major victory against corruption and its allies as the court ruled on that same day, on the N2 billion naira pension fraud case and ordered the final forfeiture of at least 20 property linked to the convicted former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina.

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt that the 20 expensive properties, located in different parts of the country, were acquired illegally.

According to Justice Abdulmalik, the applicant, EFC,  effectively discharged its responsibility, under the law, to establish that the property was acquired with proceeds of crime.

The judge also held that the “various individuals, who responded to an earlier interim forfeiture order, requiring interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited, failed to establish their ownership of the affected properties with credible evidence.”

Out of the 23 property listed in the schedule, three of them were left out. Maina’s wife, Laila, who claimed to be a citizen of the United States, and some of his relatives and associates, including Uwani Usman, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Haruna Mu’azu Musa and Aliyu Abdullahi, had claimed ownership of the 23 property.

The anti-graft agency had earlier obtained an order of interim forfeiture of 23 properties linked to Maina, currently on an eight-year jail term for pension fraud to the tune of N2 billion.

Delivering the judgment,  Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the lawyer of the EFCC, Farouk Abdullah, that those who claimed to own the property failed to effectively establish the alleged ownership as they could not produce credible evidence.

She said: “It is trite in law that civil cases in non-conviction forfeiture are hinged on the preponderance of evidence. Again, I hold that the respondents have failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidential weight in their favour.”

As far as the operations of EFCC since the assumption of office of Olaonipekun  Olukeyede as Chairman is concerned, the preponderance of the evidence is that there is a new Sherif in town! The agency has recorded unprecedented achievements in the fulfilment of its statutory goals in terms of recoveries of humongous amounts of money, undaunted trials and convictions of high-profile corrupt public officials.

The gang-ups and simulated attacks on EFCC are like the cry of a beaten baby; it’s not unexpected. The burbles of corruption-fight-back against the agency that is often seen in the media would fizzle out like that of a failed revolution.

Raheem Nasir, a social policy advocate, sent this piece via raheemnasir2001@yahoo.co.uk

Executive Secretary of the National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye has been conferred with a merit award on cultural orientation.

Presenting the award to the cultural icon in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the Editor of High Celebrity Squard Magazine and organizers of HiCESRA Award, Mr. Quadri Olowolagba described Otunba Ajiboye as a versatile technocrat who is not just knowledgeable in the field of culture but other areas of endeavour. 

According to him, the award is in recognition of Ajiboye’s contribution towards re-orientating Nigerians on the need to return to our cultural values as well as his uncommon and selfless service to the country and humanity in general.

Receiving the award, the NICO Boss thanked the organizers of HiCESRA for the noble award and also gave kudos to all the staff of NICO for their resilience, perseverance and loyalty towards serving the country by joining hands with him to give orientation to Nigerians on the significance of our culture.

It will be recalled that Otunba Biodun Ajiboye has over the years, continued to inculcate admirable and commendable cultural values, particularly in the youth towards revamping our rich cultural heritage which is already having a positive impact on the citizenry.

Caleb Nor

Media Asst.-ES

NICO, Abuja

The chairman/CEO Adron Group, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, has extended warm felicitations to Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State, on the occasion of her 57th birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Aare EmmanuelKing lauded Mrs. Abiodun’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of women and children in Ogun State, highlighting her numerous philanthropic activities and her pivotal role in community development. He commended her compassionate efforts in advocating for the rights and welfare of the less privileged, which have significantly impacted the lives of many.

“Your Excellency, your exemplary life and steadfast dedication to the betterment of Ogun State and its people have been a beacon of inspiration to many. Your leadership and passion have not only complemented the vision of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, but have also played a crucial role in the continuous progress and transformation of Ogun State,” Aare EmmanuelKing stated.

He further praised Mrs. Abiodun for her support of initiatives aimed at enhancing health and education in the state, acknowledging her contributions to fostering a better and more inclusive society. Aare EmmanuelKing expressed his prayers for her continued good health, happiness, and the fulfillment of all her aspirations.

As Mrs. Abiodun celebrates this significant milestone, Aare EmmanuelKing joined her family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating her remarkable achievements and contributions to Ogun State. He wished her a joyous birthday filled with peace, prosperity, and continued success.

Adron Homes and Properties Ltd., under the leadership of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, remains committed to supporting the growth and development of Ogun State and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the government in achieving these goals.

Sam Ifon is a singer songwriter who is based in Birmingham UK. 

His songwriting career which goes back to the 90s was inspired by an old friend of his, Mr Bona.

Ade who was simply crazy about music as well as being an authority on the subject. 

Sam has two albums under his belt (Freedom & Love at 49) and is

currently working on a third, “Humankind Rich In Colours,” featuring some of his

best compositions to date. Asked what message his recently released song

“Humankind Rich In Colours” sought to convey? He explained that light was

made up of many colours, that upon coming together produce the bright light that overcomes darkness.

Sam has recently started working with some young Nigerian Afrobeat’s

producers and rhythms that have taken many of his compositions to new levels.

Sam plans to incorporate his record label Dancemaster Music Services in Nigeria

soon, and hopes that his portfolio of over 400 songs would be made available to

Nigerian artists to interpret and release as their creativity prompts them. Being

a highly rated and prolific songwriter, he looks forward to being able to

collaborate with upcoming as well as some of the best Nigerian music artists.

Sam’s new song Happiness is currently being prepared for release by his

engineers and marketing team and should hit the music platforms soon. As can

be expected, it will bring joy to all music and dance lovers.

Central to this is the JamboPhone, a $99 web3 smartphone that has been powerful in onboarding all types of users on-chain in a mobile-first way. Combined with the Solana blockchain’s high throughput capabilities and Tether’s dominant stablecoin, USDT, access to web3 financial and educational products will be democratized to those who need them most in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Introducing the JamboPhone Priced at $99 and already sold in over 120 countries, the JamboPhone is targeted towards Gen Z consumers in emerging markets as their portal to the best digital products and opportunities globally.

Users can engage with the global economy by utilizing the preloaded Jambo Ecosystem applications featuring DeFi, gaming, and web3 infrastructure applications. The JamboPhone aims to address some of the most challenging issues faced by emerging markets, such as a large unbanked population and limited access to smartphones. Users can purchase the JamboPhone with Solana Pay on JamboPhone.xyz.

The Jambo App: Empowering Users

The smartphone is equipped with the JamboApp, a comprehensive web3 platform that offers users a range of services including decentralized finance, gaming, and educational content, all designed with the emerging market user in mind. The JamboApp includes the JamboWallet, a non-custodial multichain

wallet which includes support for Solana tokens and USDT. Jambo will be giving out rewards primarily in USDT, leveraging its broad acceptance and stability in emerging markets. Users will be able to complete quests sponsored by Jambo and Jambo ecosystem partners, ranging from educational initiatives to promotional tasks, with rewards now distributed primarily using SPL USDT. This initiative underscores

Jambo, Solana, and Tether’s role as pioneers in bridging the digital divide, aiming to democratize access to digital financial tools and providing users with earning opportunities in emerging markets.

Leveraging Local Solana Communities Additionally, Jambo will engage local Superteams to accelerate web3 adoption. Superteam is a global community of web3 builders who are passionate about Solana. Their mission is to help web3 talent learn, earn and connect with the Solana ecosystem. These teams, composed of local experts and enthusiasts, will play a pivotal role in educating communities, fostering local development, and driving grassroots initiatives that ensure sustainable growth within the web3 ecosystem.

“Back when I was building earn.com in 2017, our vision was to build a product ‘where there’s a phone, there’s a job.’ Alice, James, and the Jambo team have realized that vision by developing web3 mobile infrastructure bringing financial access to emerging markets,” said Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation. “Jambo offers a gateway to web3 that is accessible to nearly anyone in the world, while Solana enables financial access for nearly anyone with an internet connection. Together, we are committed to making self-custody, financial opportunity, and educational resources accessible to millions.”

Why Emerging Markets

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A renowned real estate mogul and and astute Property merchant, Alhaji Abubakar Mayaki, has distanced himself from an allegation of land-grabbing and killing of a local government worker in Agbowa making  rounds about him on social media.

The philanthropist Alhaji Mayaki, while reacting to the allegation that he has hand in the death of the said local government worker who was murdered by unknown gun men around April this year said ' The rumour making round on social media that i knew about the killing at Igbein is a calculated attempt by my enemies to tarnish my hard-earned reputation and name. 

I want to make it clear that I was not around when the said local government worker was murdered,  How come for someone who was not around to have hands in death of somebody? Information gathered by our correspondent shows that  the said local government council have not officially issued any statement to ascertain if truly the victim was their staffer or not.

Everyone around me knows that I'm a law abiding citizen who has great value for human life and I will never ever involve myself in murder of anybody for any reason. I was framed up and tagged killer because my company has relationship with the people of Ota-Ikosi and the guy was killed at Igbein.

The law enforcement agency have carried out her thoroughly investigation and I was never find wanting. I want to use this medium to let everyone know that Mayaki is a good Muslim who will never put his hands in any criminal act.

Alhaji Mayaki further distance himself from any harassment or threat to life of anybody in respect of the alleged murder case under investigation by the police.

Investigation traveled that the murdered person who was alleged to be a  cult member and land grabber was murdered during a fight between Eiye and Aiye cult groups in Igbein, a town very close to Ota-Ikosi where Mayaki's company is developing.

We also scooped that the murdered guy was also working with a popular land grabber, Alhaji SK Oluwo Lamina before he met his untimely death.

Iba Gani Adams,in a congratulatory message described Chief Ogunsola as an unrepentant apostle of true federalism.

He said Chief Ogunsola remains an epitome of the democratic struggle, saying he was one of the strong advocates of true federalism.

"Chief Ogunsola is a shinning light and role model among media administrators.As the chairman of Punch Newspapers,he brought alot of innovations to Punch,making it a leading media outfit in Nigeria.

"During the dark era of the military,

General Ibrahim Babangida shut Punch Newspapers severally,but rather than relenting, Punch stood tall in its objective reportage,and also running its editorials to press for justice, restructuring ,devolution of power and remained consistent on the path of the truth.

"Even though he was not a member of NADECO, Chief Ogunsola was consistent.

He was topnotch in setting a standard for Punch Newspapers, building a medium that promotes quality service to humanity.

"Driven by the determination to set a standard in the media,Ogunsola laid the foundation that Punch Newspapers is sustaining till date.

"Chief Ogunsola's enduring legacy and footprints in the media will continue to be a reference point for the world to see.

"Many look up to Chief Ogunsola 

as an astute administrator,whose vision,ideas and transformational efforts altered Punch Newspapers' story in a way that would be difficult to forget in Nigeria's history.

"As he celebrates his 80th birthday anniversary,I pray God to bless Chief Ogunsola with more life,good health and sounds mind for him to continue to be a blessing to humanity",Iba Gani Adams said.

A civil society and pressure group, non-profit and anti-corruption organization has stated that the crackdown on illegal miners has saved the economy huge financial revenue loss as a result of securing the mining sector which is a vital component of Nigeria’s economy. The CSO further observed that this destruction of over 350 illegal refineries has also assisted to reduce the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta region as well as the arrest and recovery of critical assets and railway materials worth over 5 billion Naira.

It is instructive that the creation of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC’s Special Mines Marshals to combat the menace of illegal mining has also enabled the reduction of mining theft, oil and gas sector of the country as the present management of the NSCDC under the leadership of Dr Abubakar Audi is determined to nip in the bud these challenges once and for all. 

Howbeit, the creation of the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, Plateau State, for career development and progression; the creation of NSCDC Arms Squad Training School at Ugede Development Area in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State is very instructive; the massive acquisition of mini fire fighter tankers for disaster management in case of emergencies are worthy of note and big morale booster for the corps and the procurement of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles for the NSCDC to use in fighting criminalities across the country is a welcome development under the present administration.

In a press release signed in Warri, Delta State by the Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele on Tuesday, the CSO identified bad governance, abject poverty and unemployment as some of the root causes of attacks on our critical oil and gas assets including the mining sector in the country. He stated that poverty and hunger have contributed to the damages being recorded in the oil and gas facilities and that the degradation of the environment due to exploration and oil spills has not helped matters as it has deprived communities’ access to their traditional methods of livelihoods.

The organization observed that: “There is therefore the need to confront and tackle poverty and other issues, so as to reduce the menace.” That government should deploy special equipment, create forums to engage the various communities, collaborate and partner with private security guards, armed forces and intelligence services to stem the tide of oil theft and mining plundering.

In an effort to curb Illegal mining and create safe mining environment recently, the Federal Government commissioned 350 additional operatives of the NSCDC as mining marshals. This is happening barely few months after the first batch of 2,220 mining marshals were inaugurated. This is as the marshals underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the unlicensed operators across the country. According to reports, since the inauguration, over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, 133 prosecutions underway and confiscated illegally mined minerals forfeited to the Federal Government. CWAI gathered that as part of its efforts to strengthen, protect and safeguard schools across the country, the Save School Initiative was launched for the protection of vulnerable schools and to reduce the menace of kidnapping in schools and the creation of the NSCDC Female Squad to aid in tackling kidnappings and other restiveness in schools which has yielded enormous dividends by the reduction of this heinous crime.

CWAI noted the various institutional nationwide reformations presently taking place across the corps as well as the new sense of belonging, increase in welfare packages for the corps, prompt payment of emoluments, allowances including the zero tolerance for corruption initiated by the new management. This, without doubt, has given the corps a pride of place in the paramilitary organizations in the country and has raised the ‘esprit-de-corps’ of the men and officers like never before seen. The robust welfare, motivated packages through massive promotions, conversion, upgrading and other benefits-in-kind are really commendable and not to mention the construction of official and residential buildings within and outside the NSCDC headquarters, including the procurement of operational and office equipment and the purchase of over 200 operation vehicles are also worthy of note.  

The arrest of students for acts unbecoming of them across institutions of learning in the country; arrest of practitioners of same sex marriages is a major milestone; the commendations given by governors of Zamfara, Gombe, Ogun, Jigawa and Katsina states recently are also worth mentioning; the reduction of the incessant herders’ and farmers’ clashes and cattle rustling; the deployment of undercover corps officers to schools;  the collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to reduce criminal activities across the country with the toga ‘See Something, Say Something;” the robust relationships of inter-agency corporations and partnerships with sister agencies such as the Navy, Army, Customs, Immigration, NNPC, and civil society organizations, is a major achievement that must be applauded; the consistent advocacies carried out by the CG to intimate and assure Nigerians to believe in the corps’ operations to engender faith in security agencies, are all worthy of note.

The continued fight against cyber-crimes, child abuse and the flushing out of illegal guard private operators; the arrest of smugglers, vandals and pipeline/oil thieves in the Niger Delta region have become an Herculean task that must be achieved, according to the CG, saying that the Service “is presently doing all it can to curb the proliferation of small arms across the length and breadth of the country.” He also read the Riot Act to the Corps’ commandants in the Niger Delta states, assuring them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a zero-tolerance to civil theft. He asked them to do all they can to nib crimes in the bud in line with a presidential order to rid the nation’s oil sector of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves and other nefarious activities inimical to the growth of the sector.

CWAI can attest to the fact that the giant strides achieved so far by the current leadership are as a result of the strategic directions taken on the commissioning of the Standard Curriculum for NSCDC for entrenching career progression, effective supervision and transparent regulation of the Private Guard Companies in Nigeria which has reduced insecurity across the country. CWAI asserts that this is connected to a new reinvigorated legal department, successes in anti-vandalism, protection of farmers’ physical security at mining sites and the establishment of Special Female Squad (SFS) targeted at boosting the fight against insecurity and the location of the squad in all Commands across the country. This has also enhanced the safe school response coordination and the protection of schools in remote areas and border communities, which is done in collaboration with other security agencies of the Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) to foil attempts to attack schools. This is endorsed by all stakeholders.

Similarly, the Commandant-General has continuously urged security agencies/operatives to shun inter-agency rivalry to foster national security. The CG gave this charge at a recent security seminar tagged “Promoting Inter-Agency Collaboration Among Security Agencies.” He noted that “the rivalry was capable of eroding relationships building over time between security agencies and consequently rubbed off negatively on the provision of adequate security.”  

CWAI also endorsed the amicable settlement of conflicts and dispute resolutions between herdsmen, farmers, cattle rustlers and villagers, community leaders and bandits – all championed by the current management of the NSCDC. The pressure group also applauded the vision, mission and the ability to implement its mandate as regards the settlement of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolute (ADR) between warring parties.

CWAI recognizes the importance of conflict and dispute resolution mechanism in today’s contemporary issues and conflict management, and commended the leadership for thinking out of the box and finding lasting solutions in today’s crises-prone society, where conflicts have become the order of the day with the support of the proactive Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo.

CWAI emphasized a renewed vigour for the increment of national budget allocated to the NSCDC in view of the pivotal role it plays in the reduction of criminal elements in the protection of critical national assets and the reduction of kidnapping in our schools as a result of the school initiative, which if properly funded will give the NSCDC the impetus to do more for the nation and its workforce.

We are encouraged to commend the public procurement and contract approvals, accountability in procurement process and payments. We also applaud the transformation, vision and forthrightness of the leadership in changing the narrative to make the Corps the cynosure of all eyes through discipline, promotion of officers when due and capacity building of officers and men, including building strategic alliances with various ivory towers across the land, to upgrade the service institutions to meet with what is attainable globally and build robust sister inter-agency collaborations.

CWAI, therefore, has no hesitation in passing a vote of confidence on the Dr. Abubakar Audi-led management and calls on the international community and well-meaning Nigerians to support the NSCDC management and allow them to concentrate on their mandate and continuously support the proactive leadership to enable it further its commitment and efforts to the general wellbeing of the nation.

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...Says chairman should tell Nigerians why he wants Bello to follow the back door to see him?

Leadership of the Movement for the Protection of People's Rights MPPR on Friday, disclosed that slouchy statements from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Boss, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on the person of Yahaya Bello has continued to show that the chances of justice for the latter are very slim.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Musa Abdullahi, the Secretary General and Comrade Abiola Adegbite, Dir, Media & Publicity, the group warned the anti-graft agency boss to quit looking for ways to bring in Yahaya Bello via backdoor.

It read: "Since the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) in 2002, its activities have elicited both support and suspicion in the fight to tackle graft cases in Nigeria. Patriotic citizens from all walks of life have consistently stood by the EFCC in the difficult mandate given to it through an Act of the National Assembly.

"Going through the recent press statement issued by the EFCC in which it has accused an imaginary named former Governor and two ex- ministers of spearheading a planned protest against the Commission is not only baseless, absurd but also cowardly. The story credited to the EFCC giving credence to some faceless 259 civil society organisations under the aegis of nonexistent Coalition for Transparency is a disgrace carried too far in the anti- graft war in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

"With the story credited to the EFCC, one would think that the Commission was deliberately fashioned for lies, gross mischief, and drain pipe purpose - a channel of deception and castration of Nigeria's puberty. From all indications, the groups being celebrated by the EFCC are either the creation of the Commission or the agency cash and carry, non existent nor unregistered NGOs/ CSOs arrangement and hatchet jobbers with them on retainership basis. Not long ago, one of such beneficiaries wrote a petition to the National Judicial Council,( NJC) against a Judge handling the case between the EFCC and a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Sadly, the author of the said petition to the NJC was once arrested and charged to court by the Nigeria Police for mischief, falsehood, and frivolous claims against a former Attorney-General of the Federation. What a shame and a coincidence for the EFCC- to be hobnobbing with such a disgruntled and malicious character parading himself as an activist.Has the EFCC forgotten the ethos of crime101 of profiling and carrying out due diligence of any of its friends before association? 

"Rather than remain a vile witness of dishonour, false alarms, arbitrariness and politicization of the anti- graft war, we must posit that the era of fighting the anti-corruption war with disobedience to court orders, selective prosecution, intimidation, gestapo like arrests, defamation of character and blackmail are gone forever with the wind. The Commission should rather concentrate its energy on the investigation of N23 billion Kano- Maiduguri abandoned rail line contract, the CCTV contract scam awarded for Lagos and Abuja worth over USD100 million, monies in billions spent by NDDC, the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry's mind boggling "N729 billion" fraud, among others and also during the COVID-19 lock down. 

"Consequently, they also have an obligation to identify the Nigerian government officials who have been collecting bribes and perpetuating money laundering through Bitcoins platforms since 2016. But they all left these serious state matters in the coolers to go after a politically assumed enemy and a juggernaut who has become a rallying point for the youths in Nigeria and a formidable ally of Mr President. These are all in a bid, to please their monstrous paymasters and retain the office of the Chairman of the EFCC. How long will Olukayode be using unethical methods and gestapo like arrests and movements to persecute and hound Yahaya Bello in order to please his self-serving ambition and cohorts

"Nigeria is a country founded on constitutional democracy, anchored on the rule of law and due process. Therefore, we challenge the EFCC to disclose the identity of the ex-Governor and two former ministers spearheading the concocted protest against the EFCC, including the venue and time where the meeting took place. They must furnish Nigerians with details of the attendance list of the meeting and the money earmarked for the imaginary and phantom protest as alleged! How can the Commission stoop so low to embark on the dissemination of such hearsay, falsehood, orchestrated plots, red imaginary shadows, misrepresentation and innuendos without due process and the rule of law? The EFCC has become the accuser, prosecutor, and judge in its own case. What a misnomer?

"We must state categorically, to those who are either ignorant of the law establishing the agency or trying to display some affinity with the arrogance of the EFCC to note the motive behind the creation of the Commission wasn't meant for the abuse of prosecutorial powers or usurp political authority. This presupposes that the Commission and its agents must act in accordance with the constitution and civil conduct in the discharge of their duties in consonance with the rule of law and civility in all its obligations to the citizenry, but the reverse is now the case under the present leadership.

"We wish to ask the EFCC some salient questions relevant to the handling of their case against Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. Why are they shopping for a pliable judge to handle their persecution of Bello? Contrary to the standing operational procedure? Why did the Chairman place a call directly to Bello and want him to follow the back door if there is no hidden agenda? What was the motive behind the Chairman's placement of direct call to Bello? Why was he interested in ushering him via the Chairman's special entrance gate and exclusive door? A back door arrangement that Bello rejected outright till date has become his being hounded regrettably!

"This brings us to the shadow boxing placement of Bello on the watch list of Interpol. The apt description of the action of the EFCC in this regard can be described as ultravires, premeditated, teleguided, and an agenda for settling scores, having an axe to grind

"It is a big shame, ridiculous and embarrassing for obvious reasons, the EFCC is granting interviews and issuing statements in a clearer attempt to ambush and preempt judicial officers handling their case against Bello who are already in various courts of competent jurisdiction. What a shameless act by the agency!

"The EFCC must desist from further overheating the polity, from undemocratic and unconstitutional practices in the handling of this case and others. The era of plotting shenanigans and suffocating excuses in the fight against graft is over. Therefore, all cases before the courts must be allowed to be exhausted in full and the outcome decided. The anti-graft body must not be seen to probate and reprobate in a desperate bid to crucify any accused persons under investigation or prosecution under its watch. Actions of resorting to self-help, amounts to prejudicial and subjudicial, that are entrenchently intolerable in terms of both legal and moral compliance.

"Only an institution that has abandoned its core mandate would embark on a proxy war, name calling, and grandstanding. Blaming white witches and village people for their incompetence, lack of due diligence, and unprofessional conduct. Wasting taxpayers' monies on wild goose chase that would lead Nigerians to no where, except the land of voodoo warriors insinuating about planned and sponsored protests against the EFCC

"For the umpteenth time, let us state that the placement of Bello on the watch list, which is already before the court, is mischievous, self-serving, arbitrarily obnoxious and devoid of fairness.

It is on this ground that we are urging the Chairman of the EFCC to resign from office forthwith due to his inability to discharge his mandate without fear, favour, and biases.

"Let us make it abundantly clear that natural justice is anchored in the will of Almighty God taught to mankind. The EFCC should always act with fear of God devoid of sentiments and preferential treatment of requesting suspects to see the Chief Prosecutor through his special backdoor. Nigerians are still waiting for explanation on other high suspects granted such merited or unmerited favours. The criteria used for the selection process and the fate of those who accepted and others who rejected such private gestures! The Nigerian people are interested in the overall outcome of what transpired during both day and night visits through the Chairman's exclusive door!

"Finally, the desperate agenda to crucify Bello amounts to giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it. The constant review of human regulations and laws is evidence of civility, as Edmund Burke aptly captures it plainly when he said, "Bad laws are worst sort of tyranny."

"The EFCC has goofed once again and should explain to Nigerians the extant rule of the exclusive backdoor passage, which Yahaya Bello declined and rejected.

"We therefore call on the International Community, Donor Agencies and Partners to dispassionately read in between the lines in terms of the backdoor arrangement/exclusivity offered by the Chairman of EFCC to Bello and the glaring double - standards and inconsistencies in the handling of the anti-graft war as it relates to politically exposed persons in Nigeria!

"With the above, the Chairman of EFCC has no moral right to stay a day longer in office as the Chairman of the agency!"

By Mansur Danjuma Senchi

The Kebbi State Ministry of Health, USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State 2 State), stakeholders in the state health sector and Development Partners are drawing up a 5 year strategic development plan, 2025-2029 to achieve healthcare service delivery for the state.

In his wellcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Comrade Yunusa Musa Ismail said the five year strategic plan will serve as a policy document to guide the ministry towards improving the Healthcare Services in the State.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shehu Nuhu Koko noted that the last SP document of the ministry has expired and the need to review it has come on board.

He thanked the participants for spearing their time to develop the new SP document while acknowledging the state Government, under the leadership of Comrade Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) for prioritizing the Health sector.

The Commissioner also extol the contribution of the USAID State2State for supporting the ministry and it's agencies towards strengthening the healthcare services of the State.

Comrade Yunusa Musa also informed the gathering that the State Government will soon employ health personnel in an effort to reduce the gap of inadequate Workforce in the facilities and improve the services.

In his speech, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Healthcare Matters, Dr Aminu Haliru Bunza urged the participants to work hard to produce acceptable and sustainable SP document that will go inline with economic, social and cultural realities of the state.

He prayed Allah to guide the gathering to produce the SP document that will be useful to the ministry and the generality of the people of the State.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Hajiya Aishatu Usman described the initiative as timely explaining that the SP if fully developed will enable the ministry focus on improving the health sector of the State.

The Director Planning Research and Statistics of the Ministry, Alhaji Bala Isah Kamba urged all participants and programme officers to avail themselves with the opportunity provided to them to comeup with acceptable SP document for the year 2024-2029.

In their separate goodwill messages, the representative of WHO Mrs Mathias Ifeyinwa, State Coodinator Health Workforce Management, Alhaji Nasiru Saadu Fakai and State Team Lead, USAID State2State, Mr Usman Feleye thanked the ministry for coming up with the initiative and assured their support at all time.

The four-day programme featured group work, group presentations, questions and answers and was facilitated by Mr Olatunji Awoleye of IREEP NIG LTD who served as lead consultant on the Kebbi State 2024-2029 Strategy Health Development Plan (KSSHDP).

The programme was attended by Executive Secretaries of KSPHCDA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, DCMA Pharmacist Aminu Usman, representative of KECHEMA, Ibrahim Salisu Illo, Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Murtala Musa and that of College of Health Sciences and Technology, Alhaji Saadu Haruna Sauwa.

Others include, Directors from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, KECHEMA, SPHCDA as well as the Secretary House Committee on Health, Aminu Abdullahi.

The rest include, the State Chairman NMA, Dr Murtala Muhammad Dandare, Chairman PMOs Farum, Dr Emmanuel Ehiem, State Malaria Programme Manager, Nasiru Umar Zagga, HMISO KSPHCDA, Lauwal Shuaibu Fana, Deputy Director Public Health, Usman Magaji, Assistant Director Medical Services, Dr Muhammad Jamilu, CSOs Comrade Ibrahim Ngaski as well as Health system strengthening specialist of USAID State2State Mr Bode Badejo among others.